physique

High-temperature superconductors: eliminating electrical resistance

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The scientific revolution surrounding high-temperature superconductors is currently at the forefront of energy and electronic technology development. The ability of these materials to eliminate electrical resistance opens up an unprecedented field of innovations. Unlike conventional metals, where resistance leads to energy loss, superconductors allow for the almost perfect transport of electric current, thus ensuring considerable … Read more

The EPR Paradox: Einstein versus Quantum Mechanics

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The EPR paradox, conceived in the midst of the intellectual turmoil of the 1930s by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen, remains one of the most fascinating and controversial enigmas of modern physics to this day. This thought experiment, which seemed intended to criticize and challenge quantum mechanics, actually shed light on unsuspected depths … Read more

The entropy of black holes and information

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Since the 1970s, the study of black holes has profoundly transformed the understanding of entropy, a fundamental concept in thermodynamics, by tying it to the most mysterious astrophysical objects in the universe. The revelation that these strange regions of spacetime can possess entropy, measuring the amount of information they contain, has not only opened new … Read more

The physics of hypothetical wormholes

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Wormholes remain one of the most fascinating and enigmatic concepts of modern theoretical physics, resonating with both the strings of science and those of science fiction. These hypothetical structures represent shortcuts within the fabric of space-time, proposing the captivating idea that the universe could be traversed almost instantaneously through these cosmic tunnels. Anchored in the … Read more

Nucleosynthesis of elements in stars

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La nucléosynthèse des éléments dans les étoiles

IN SHORT Stellar nucleosynthesis: A set of nuclear reactions occurring inside stars. Creation of chemical elements: Massive stars generate heavy elements through nuclear reactions. Star formation: They form from clouds of gas rich in hydrogen and helium. Primordial nucleosynthesis: Formation of light elements during the origin of the Universe. Types of nucleosynthesis: Includes stellar, primordial, … Read more

The fundamental forces that govern the universe

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Les forces fondamentales qui régissent l'univers

IN BRIEF Four fundamental forces: gravitation, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force Gravity: governs weight and the trajectories of celestial bodies Electromagnetic force: regulates interactions between charged particles Strong nuclear force: holds protons and neutrons together in the atomic nucleus Weak nuclear force: responsible for nuclear transformations Standard model: theorizes the fundamental interactions … Read more

The concept of time in cosmology

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Le concept de temps en cosmologie

IN BRIEF Cosmic time: central concept in cosmology to model the universe. History of objects: each element of the universe has its own temporal journey. Cosmological models: assume uniformity and isotropy of the universe. Coordination of events: necessary interaction between time and space to structure the universe. General relativity: revolutionized the perception of time in … Read more

Dark energy and its role in the universe

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L'énergie sombre et son rôle dans l'univers

IN BRIEF Dark energy: makes up about 68% of the Universe. Accelerates the expansion of the Universe due to its repulsive nature. Dark matter and dark energy: two great mysteries of astrophysics. Recent progress shows that the expansion of the Universe is faster than expected. Use of telescopes like Hubble and Euclid to study these … Read more

Dark matter: the great cosmological mystery

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La matière noire : la grande énigme cosmologique

IN BRIEF Dark matter makes up about 85% of the mass of the Universe. It is invisible and undetectable, making its study complex. Represents one of the biggest mysteries of modern cosmology. Its existence is necessary to explain the movement of galaxies. Theories like modified gravity attempt to unravel this mystery. Less than 5% of … Read more

Applied thermodynamics in astrophysics

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La thermodynamique appliquée à l'astrophysique

IN BRIEF Thermodynamics: Study of physical properties as a function of temperature. Thermal equilibrium: State where temperature reaches a stable value. Astrophysics: Application of thermodynamic principles to astronomical phenomena. Wien’s Law: Principles used to analyze radiation in the universe. Mass-luminosity relation: Correlations between mass and light emission from stars. Understanding accretion disks and other astrophysical … Read more